Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

I-70 cuts a path through the north part of Middletown Valley. Middletown itself doesn't have a direct exit, but one way in is by way of the Myersville exit shown somewhere in this picture. Notice the yellow and orange of fall is just beginning to show in the trees; and the same colors show all year in the McDonald's sign (that spec near the center).

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Monday, October 5, 2009

The economy got it. This hardware store and design center in the heart of town went out of business a few months ago. It was a landmark and I believe it was around for decades. I shopped there a few times - friendly staff, interesting product mix, including items not found in the big box home centers.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Contrast can mean many things. In this case, in case you hadn't guessed, the contrast is 'old vs. new.' Andrew and Tiffany are dressed in the period costumes from the American Civil War of the 1860s using their digital camera and cell phone from the 2000s. They are regular visitors to this website and participate in the Signal Corps demonstration during the Middletown Heritage Festival.

About Middletown

Middletown, Maryland was founded in 1767 and is said to be named either for its position midway between South Mountain and the Catoctin Mountains or its central location between the larger Maryland cities of Frederick and Hagerstown. A few years earlier, a visiting surveyor and future “Father of our Country” George Washington referred to Middletown Valley as one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.

The town was incorporated in 1833. After the Civil War battles of South Mountain and Antietam, Middletown churches served as hospitals for both Union and Confederate soldiers.

Today Middletown boasts a delicate balance of old and new. Instead of a Mayor, the town leader is a Burgess. Some of the buildings were built in the 1700s and 1800s. There are large Victorian homes as well as the typical cookie-cutter subdivisions that dot the edge of the Washington DC commuter exurbs.

The only franchise restaurant in town is a Subway; the only Starbucks is inside the Safeway.

If you really want to understand what small-town America feels like, visit Middletown during the Independence Day festivities and fireworks at Middletown Park, the Volunteer Fire Department’s annual mid-July Carnival or the Middletown Heritage Festival held in the fall.

Middletown Heritage Festival

There is something for everyone, but more quantity and quality of everything ... two music stages, living history exhibits capturing various eras of Middletown heritage, craft items for sale, town information and a wide variety of great food. It kicks off in the morning with a parade.